Shirahige Shrine, famous for its striking vermillion torii gate floating on Lake Biwa, is known as the oldest shrine in Ōmi and is revered as a deity of longevity and long life.
Shrines and Temples
World Heritage
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Highlights
Vermillion torii gate floating on Lake Biwa
Main hall designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan
Nearest Station: Ōmi-Takashima Station on the JR West Kusatsu Line.
3km south on National Route 161 (approx. 30-minute walk).
Take the Takashima City Community Bus Ugawa Line (reservations required) to "Shirahige Jinja-mae" (approx. 10 minutes).
Rent a bicycle at the station tourist information center (approx. 10 minutes). Show route
Op.Hours
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cld.Days
None
Fee
Free
INFO
※Please do not cross the national highway in front of Shirahige Shrine; it is extremely dangerous. For photos of the torii gate in the lake, please use the observation deck "Omi Shirahige Dai" located in front of the shrine office.
※From July 2024 to March 2025, the main shrine and hall of Shirahige Shrine will be undergoing preservation and repair work. Parking space may be limited due to construction vehicles. Thank you for your understanding.
Shirahige Shrine, located in Ugawa, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture, is the oldest shrine in Ōmi. It's considered the head shrine for all Shirahige Shrines nationwide and enshrines Sarutahiko-no-mikoto. Known as a deity of longevity and long life, it has been revered by many for centuries. It's also worshipped as a "guiding deity" for all aspects of life, including matchmaking, childbirth, good fortune, academic success, traffic safety, and safe voyages.
The symbol of Shirahige Shrine is undoubtedly its vermillion torii gate floating on Lake Biwa. This gate, set against the backdrop of Okishima Island on the shores of Lake Biwa, captivates many with its majestic scenery.
The shrine grounds are home to numerous historical structures, including the main hall, designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan, and Wakamiya Shrine, rebuilt by Hideyori Toyotomi. The main hall features a clear square floor plan. Its current complex roof style resulted from connecting it to the Meiji-era rebuilt worship hall. Wakamiya Shrine, rebuilt by Hideyori Toyotomi, is a single-bay, gabled-roof structure with cypress bark shingles.
Every year, on September 5th and 6th, the annual festival is held, attracting worshippers from nearby areas and across Japan, including Kyoto, Osaka, and Hyogo. The festival includes the "Narukomairi" ritual, where two-year-old children are given names and prayers are offered for their healthy growth.
Shirahige Shrine is also famous as a power spot, with many visitors offering prayers. On the grounds, there's a monument inscribed with poems by the Meiji-era waka poets, Tetsukan and Akiko Yosano, who visited the shrine. The shrine also houses Jurojin, one of the Seven Gods of Fortune of West Shiga. Shirahige Shrine is situated in a nature-rich environment, offering beautiful scenery throughout the year. Cherry blossoms abound in spring, and the autumn leaves are stunning, making it a worthwhile visit any time of year. Visit Shirahige Shrine, feel the sacred atmosphere, and refresh your mind and body.
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